|In My Opinion, Patricia Vampatella|
I am writing to wholeheartedly support the creation of a community recreation center in the Pineland Athletic Facility. And here’s why.
This will be a SPACE FOR ALL. It will benefit people of all ages – young children, youth, parents, young and older adults. For parents and children, it will provide expanded indoor space for gymnastics, music/movement for toddlers, seasonal youth sports, child care programming, a home base for summer programs, and access to a beautiful outdoor campus. For adults, it provides space for year round adult fitness and recreational programs, and access to a gymnasium for pickleball, dodgeball, and volleyball. And for older adults it will be a dedicated space for socializing, exercising, and connecting with others.
For older adults like myself, this need is great. New Gloucester, like other towns across the state and the country, is growing older. And for older adults, social isolation and loneliness represent major health risk factors. Studies have shown that loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and can even increase the risk of premature death. In response to its significant public health impact, the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness a public health epidemic.
A recent article in the Portland Press Herald showed how other towns are helping older Mainers stay connected with their communities. This includes creating spaces and opportunities for people to hang out with their peers, enjoy social activities, share food and conversation, exercise in accessible spaces, learn new things and share in the caregiver experience. And for many, being able to volunteer and engage with the community is rewarding and beneficial to their health as well.
Opportunities like this do not come often. We are fortunate to have a generous donation that will move this project forward immediately. We have a talented staff with a proven record of developing programs and funding that support such initiatives.
Our time is now. Please come to the Special Town meeting on Monday night and VOTE YES on the various warrant articles that will make this dream become a reality.
Patricia Vampatella
New Gloucester resident
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